Samsung to block access to app store in Iran

Mobile phone owners in Tehran receive message saying company cannot provide access due to ‘legal barriers’

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian users of Samsung mobile applications are saying they have been notified that their access to the company’s online store will be denied from May 22.

In a Tehran shopping mall, owners of mobile phones and tablets say they had received the message via email late Wednesday. Retailers say they had no power over the decision.

“We have heard about it, but we are only responsible for hardware here, not software and apps,” said shopkeeper Bijan Ashtiani.

In the message Samsung said it cannot provide access to the store in Iran because of “legal barriers.”

Many Iranians see the move as part of international sanctions on the country over its disputed nuclear program. Samsung’s office in Iran was closed for the weekend and could not be immediately reached.